Imagine clicking on a tempting offer on the Internet and the next moment over a thousand euros are gone. This fraud is not fiction, but reality for many online shoppers during the Christmas season. The latest holiday cyber security report reveals a shocking truth: one in ten online shoppers will fall victim to fraud during the holiday shopping season, with average losses exceeding €1,000. This article highlights how these scams work and how you can effectively protect yourself against them.
Scams: How they cheat you out of your money
The tricks used by fraudsters are varied and sophisticated. Main attack vectors are email, third-party websites and social media platforms. In almost a third of cases, fraudsters spoil the pre-Christmas joy with fraudulent calls or text messages. On average, victims of online shopping fraud lose 1,078.99 euros. This is not small change, and the damage is often not just financial.
Be careful with fake shops: recognize and avoid them
A main problem is fake shops. They lure you with irresistible offers, but in the end the customers either receive nothing at all or receive inferior goods. Worse still, credit card information and personal data are often stolen. The professional presentation of these shops makes it difficult to recognize them at first glance.
The technical protective shield
Good protection against holiday scams is multi-layered. It is important to use security software that is constantly updated and uses modern protection techniques. Surf protection that warns before clicking on malicious links and a password manager for strong, unique passwords are essential.
Knowledge is power: information and action
In addition to technical measures, it is important to acquire knowledge about common scams. Regular checks of bank and credit card accounts for unusual activity are also advisable.
Conclusion: Safe through the digital world
The findings of the current security report are a wake-up call: online fraud is a real danger, especially during the Christmas season. However, through the combination of technical protection, education and caution, you can protect yourself effectively. Remember, if you are uncertain, it is better to avoid making a purchase than to take careless risks.
Finally: We invite you to sign up for the Mimikama newsletter. Regularly find out about the latest tricks used by fraudsters and how you can protect yourself. Mimikama also offers extensive media education to help you navigate the digital world confidently. Be informed, be safe!
Source: Norton
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Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )